Final answer:
Edward is experiencing hallucinations, which are perceptions that occur without external stimuli, often due to mental health conditions, substance use, or lack of sleep.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Edward walks to class, he often sees giant birds walking beside him and hears them speaking. Edward is experiencing hallucinations.
Hallucinations are perceptions in the absence of external stimuli that have qualities of real perception, often vivid and created by the mind. They can affect all five sensory modalities. Visual and auditory hallucinations are the most common types, which is what Edward appears to be experiencing by seeing and hearing things that aren't present. Hallucinations can be a symptom of various conditions including psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or as a result of substance use, neurological conditions, or even significant sleep deprivation.